that means workers cannot be forced to join a union or pay union dues to get a job. the law was passed today by the republican legislature and signed by the governor. elaine quijano is in lancing for us tonight. >> right to work has got to go! >> reporter: union members from across michigan and other states voiced their anger at the michigan capital. mike huerta has been a member of the united auto workers union since 1997. >> no one wants this in this state. this state is where the birthplace of the united auto workers is, this place is where unions built the middle-class. >> reporter: but republican governor rick snyder insists the legislation will help workers by not forcing them to join unions or pay dues. >> if they don't see value in the union in terms of its activities, should they be forced to pay financial resources for that? i don't believe so. give them choice. >> reporter: the governor and republican lawmakers argue the legislation will attract businesses and keep jobs in michigan. union members argue it will result in lower wages. clear evidence for eith